Denver consistently reports some of the highest numbers of motor vehicle crashes in Colorado, and large trucks play a significant role in these records. With heavy loads of goods moving along the major routes of the city like I-25 and I-70, truck drivers share the road with thousands of fast-moving vehicles everyday. The size and weight of these trucks mean that every single violation can lead to catastrophic outcomes and even devastating losses.
For victims and families, the aftermath of a Denver truck accident goes far beyond the crash itself. Knowing the most common truck accident causes helps victims understand their rights, identify negligence, and pursue legal protection through a qualified Denver truck accident lawyer.
At Levine Law, our experienced truck accident attorneys in Denver understand these complex cases. We help victims uncover the root causes of truck crashes and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Common Violations that Cause Truck Accidents in Denver
Many truck accidents could have been prevented if companies and drivers followed the laws and regulations set by the state of Colorado and federal authorities.
Violation of Federal Regulations for Commercial Truck
Hours of Service Violation
Federal law limits how long truck drivers can stay on the road without rest. When drivers push past these limits, fatigue sets in, slowing reaction times and clouding judgment, which often leads to accidents.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection
Large commercial trucks must undergo regular maintenance to stay safe on the road. Worn breaks, tire blowouts, and steering problems are often the result of skipped inspections.
Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo
Cargo securement rules exist to keep trucks balanced and stable on the road. When loads shift or exceed weight limits, trucks are more likely to roll over, jackknife, or spill cargo, creating hazardous conditions.
Hiring Unqualified Drivers
Hiring unqualified or not fully trained drivers puts all road users at risk. Proper qualifications and training ensures that drivers are knowledgeable enough to operate large vehicles with heavy loads.
Violation of Traffic Laws
Speeding or Driving Too Fast for Road Condition
Trucks require much longer stopping distances than smaller vehicles. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to maneuver the vehicle, especially on wet or icy roads.
Ignoring Traffic Signals
Even minor traffic violations become extremely dangerous when committed by a fully loaded truck. Disregarding signals often leads to high-impact crashes at intersections, causing devastating injuries.
Failing to Yield the Right of Way
Large trucks cannot maneuver as easily as lighter vehicles, making right-of-way violations especially dangerous. These errors often cause side-impact or T-bone accidents with serious consequences.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Large vehicles like trucks have a lot of blind spots or “no-zones.” When drivers switch lanes without caution, smaller cars can easily get trapped or sidesweeped.
Tailgating
Because of their size and weight, trucks need extra space to stop safely. Following too closely to vehicles leaves little to no room for error often leading to rear-end collisions.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains a growing problem in traffic safety. Even a few seconds of looking away from the road can lead to an accident. Recognizing this, Hand’s-Free Law, effective January 2025, now bans holding or manually using phones while driving, targeting one of the leading causes of crashes.
Driving Under the Influence
Impaired driving is among the most dangerous violations that can lead to accidents. Intoxication severely impacts judgment and coordination, making it difficult for truck drivers to safely handle such a large vehicle
How to Prove Negligence After a Denver Truck Accident
Being involved in a truck accident can be overwhelming, but the steps you take after the crash can make a huge difference in proving negligence and securing the full compensation you deserve. By acting quickly and carefully, you can help protect your rights and strengthen your case.
Secure a Police Report
A police report is one of the most reliable pieces of evidence after a truck accident. It provides an official record of the crash, notes any traffic violations, and includes details from the scene and witness statement.
Gather and Preserve Evidence of the Accident
If it’s possible and safe to do so, take photos or videos of the accident scene, road conditions, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Dashcam footage, and surveillance or traffic camera recordings can also serve as solid, time-stamped evidence of how the crash occurred.
Keep Medical Records
Document all hospital visits, treatments, and diagnosis related to your injuries. These records establish the direct connection between the accident and harm you suffered. The medical bills can also help assess your deserved compensation.
Preserve Physical Evidence
Do not rush to repair or discard your vehicle, clothing or other damaged items. These materials can serve as tangible proof of the impact and severity of the crash.
Practice Your Legal Rights
Victims of truck accidents have the right to request critical evidence such as driver’s logbooks, maintenance records, and data from the truck’s black box. Determining liability in these cases is often complex, and multiple parties may be held responsible depending on the circumstances. Working with an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer can help you protect your claim and understand who can be sued after a truck accident.
Why You Should Call Our Truck Accident Lawyers for Help
The impact of a truck accident can be devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries, financial strain, and uncertainty about the future. These cases are rarely simple with federal trucking regulations, multiple liable parties, and powerful insurance companies adding layers of complexity. Having an experienced Denver truck accident attorney on your side can make a huge difference.
At Levine Law, we know what it takes to build strong cases against negligent drivers, truck companies, and insurers who try to avoid responsibility. Our team will investigate every detail, fight for your rights, and ensure you recover the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Denver, call Levine Law today at 303-951-4810 for a free consultation. With our No-Win, No-Fee guarantee, you won’t pay us unless we win your case.
Sources:
[1] Colorado Department of Transportation. Colorado Hands-Free Law (Distracted Driving Safety). Retrieved from https://www.codot.gov/safety/distracteddriving/colorado-hands-free-law
[2] Colorado General Assembly. Crime Classification Guide: Traffic Offenses (Class A infractions and above). Retrieved from https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/14_crimeclassificationguidetrafficclassa.pdf
[3] Colorado General Assembly. Commercial Vehicle and Motor Carrier Regulation. Retrieved from https://leg.colorado.gov/content/commercial-vehicle-motor-carrier-regulation
